What if Peace Talks “Succeed?”

Direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis resumed earlier this month in Washington. Al-Shabaka Director Nadia Hijab examines the possibility that a framework agreement will be achieved and the implications for Palestinian rights. Hijab offers strategies that Palestinians should adopt to ensure that their rights are protected and fulfilled if an agreement is reached.
Justice Deferred: Upholding the ICJ Ruling

July marked the sixth anniversary of the ruling by the International Court of Justice on Israel’s Wall in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Al-Shabaka policy advisor Jamal Juma’ examines how and why the Wall was established and how can Palestinians utilize the ICJ ruling to achieve their rights.
Gaza: The Enduring Siege

Writing from Gaza, Al-Shabaka Policy Advisor Haidar Eid challenges Israel’s claim that it has eased its siege. Eid compares Israel’s policies with those of Apartheid South Africa and argues that the anti-apartheid struggle offers valuable lessons for Palestinians on how to overcome the siege and revitalize their national movement.
Unwelcome Guests: Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon

For over 60 years, Palestinian refugees in Lebanon have been denied their basic rights. Al-Shabaka Policy Advisor Dalal Yassine examines the legal status of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and the “Right to Work” Campaign. She argues that greater coordination between Palestinian and Lebanese civil society organizations and solidarity groups in the Palestinian Diaspora is required in order to change the country’s laws.
The Role of the Palestinian Diaspora

The first Al-Shabaka Roundtable was held in Beirut, Lebanon on the topic of Palestinians in the Diaspora. Policy Advisors Khalil Hindi, Nadia Hijab, Aziza Khalidi, Jaber Suleiman, and Antoine Zahlan discussed the different interests of Palestinians in the Diaspora and how they can be secured.
Letter from Gilboa Jail

Arrested on May 6 at his home in Haifa, Al-Shabaka Policy Advisor Ameer
Makhoul is due to stand trial beginning on 27 June. Writing from Gilboa
Jail, Makhoul describes how his arrest, interrogation, torture and trial
using “secret evidence” are Israel’s tools for the criminalization of
human rights defenders.
Integrating Palestine into the Progressive Left

As progressive forces in the United States prepare to convene the second U.S. Social Forum this week in Detroit, Al-Shabaka Policy Advisor Noura Erakat comments on the gap between Palestinian and Arab dreams of an America committed to justice and the reality of the work it would take to achieve this dream
Palestine 2010: Time for Plan B

Al-Shabaka Policy Advisor Mouin Rabbani argues that Israel’s determination to permanently control East Jerusalem and large swaths of the West Bank coupled with the lack of political will in the U.S. and Europe has made it impossible to achieve a meaningful two-state settlement.
Reclaiming Self-Determination

Will a Palestinian state, no matter how sovereign, fulfill the Palestinian right to self-determination? Al-Shabaka Policy Advisor Ali Abunimah argues that in order to achieve true sovereignty, self-determination must return to the center of the Palestinian struggle.